Fashion show smashes fundraising target

By Stephanie Bateman

It may have seemed a tall order to smash through the £30,000 fundraising ceiling – but customers of award winning fashion boutique, Robinsons of Bawtry, have done it.

Its annual fashion show, held last Sunday, blitzed the fundraising target during the evening, when guests were treated to a spectacle of fashion, food and glamorous live entertainment.

“Once again, we have had a fantastic evening and are delighted to have shared it with so many of our customers who also joined us in celebrating our recent award win at the Draper’s Independent Awards for Premium Fashion Independent 2015,” said Russell Jones, director of Robinsons of Bawtry.

“It was the most money we have ever generated from our fashion show and we are grateful for the generosity of everyone who shared the iconic event with us.”

Charles Rowett, chief executive officer at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “The Robinsons of Bawtry Annual Fashion Show was an outstanding event. It continues to be one of the most prestigious evenings in our calendar attended by businesses and people from across the region. As a regional charity we rely on kindness and generosity of local people and our thanks go to Russell, Wendy and James and everyone that attended.”

During the evening, guests enjoyed a fashion show showcasing some of our leading labels from this year’s autumn/winter collection including Armani, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, Mulberry, Moschino, Michael Kors, Versace, Jacob Cohen, Jeffery West, Eton and, new for this season, Belstaff.

“It is 23 years since the boutique’s previous owner, Tony Robinson, launched this fashion show in memory of his late wife and it seems fitting that we have had a bumper year as Yorkshire Cancer Research celebrated its 90th anniversary,” said Russell.

“Next year is our 30th anniversary and we hope to make it extra special as we celebrate three decades of business – a fantastic feat for any business.”

Russell added: “Thanks also go to our very generous sponsors Alexander Calder Financial, MDL Energy Northern and Powell Engineering who offer their continued support, to everyone who helped stage the show and of course, China Rose restaurant, our long-standing and much-loved venue.”

A champagne draw, auction and raffle added to the extra fun and the fundraising pot.

Model dancers were supplied and choreographed by Gunther Smitz Choreography in London, hair styled by Nigel Oxby at Elite, Bawtry, make up by Sophia Jones and sound and lighting by Sound2Light and Ultimate Lighting.